Challenges turned into Blessing

 The growth of early Christianity resulted from the trade and peace brought by the Roman Empire when Constantine began making decisions that resulted in its becoming the state religion. However, there are changes in the Rome's situation which Roman Catholic Church has to face also.

I learned that challenges bring new opportunities and experiences. Like the Roman Catholic Christianity, tribal invasions though very rampant those times did not destroy it since some of those tribes were Christian though in Arian form. Another is, the tribes did not destroy everything nor killed all the people instead they intermarry with the people. Another thing I've learned is that challenges that will come into our lives bring something good to us. Like the Roman Church, though they are invaded by the tribes, it benefited them. It resulted to great growth in the number of members, organization, and prestige and most especially escape from the emperor's control. The German tribes were conquered by the Roman Catholic Church. This is really an amazing truth.

In my own life, I'm afraid to take challenges or try new things. But as I learned from how the Roman Catholic Christianity grew despite all the challenges they have been through, I was reminded again that God could use those challenges I need to face to mold me and to make me the kind of person He wants me to be. For He can use those things to help me grow in my faith and to experience Him more deeply. I really have to think positively and act in faith even when greater challenges will come. I have to choose to be grateful and trust God rather than question Him.

To have all these positive changes come true, I have to dig deeper into studying, meditating and applying God's word in my life to strengthen my relationship with Him and may spiritual life. I have to develop my prayer life as well to make me more sensitive to whatever God is going to tell me and practice being grateful in every circumstance.

COURAGE

 It is an exciting thing to know about someone who is very courageous and is willing to fight no matter what the cost. I have seen it in the person of Constantine. He is so passionate about the growth of Christianity. He is a very determined leader even if he went through lots of challenges especially when it comes to the Roman Empire with Maxentius as their leader. It is so sad how the people suffered under the leadership of Maxentius which caused Constantine to all the more fight for their rights. He once led the battle but a sign stopped him and his soldiers which later on made an impact in his own life. Since that time, they went to the battle with that sign on their shield. It is a symbol for Christianity. I am so amazed when later on, he learned to recognize God. He even learned to pray before he went to the battle. Amidst many struggles, he still continued. Until such time that they won the battle against Maxentius and his people. Since then, he marched with those people around watching and rejoicing for the victory they had. The good thing is that he acknowledged God. Later on, as he kept on working with people, someone broke his trust and from that time, he said that he would trust no one but God alone. I could say that all those things that happened in his life, brought something good to him and to the people. It is a blessing to know that he fought so Christianity would be spread and it will never stop.

In his life, I learned about being fully determined on whatever things God wants me to do and never be afraid to take the challenges that may possibly come. I should learn to trust God more and listen to Him. I should also learn to love more and to forgive because those people that I will meet along the way may hurt me. I should also stand for what is right for God's glory. God can do greater things in and through us even beyond our own imagination. We should allow Him to continually work in our life. It is God who gives us victory and He alone should get all the glory. I should not let fear hinder me from doing things for the Lord. Finally, I could say that our character is best seen when we are in our darkest moments of life and the more God is glorified when we choose to honor Him in spite of the difficult circumstances we are facing.

The Amazing Truth

 Learning the beginnings of historical Christianity really makes a greater sense to me. It is just amazing to know how the church had begun. I found it an interesting journey and there are many things that I need to know, learn, and think about. The first thing I have learned is about the three movements which became a protest in Christianity's Biblical belief and practices. These are Montanism, Novatianism, and Donatism movements. It is very sad how they twisted what the Bible truly teaches. They taught opposite on what God said in His word. The hurting part is that it is still spreading up to this day. Some churches are practicing what they have been teaching and there are many people who follow the wrong belief they are bringing. Second, is the influence of paganism. I heard about this before yet I never learned so much about it. It is very sad and heart-breaking that it leads many people to believe in vain things which they thought was right. It really affected in the way they lived and how they were supposed to show reverence to God. They started believing that they could control God's power through church ceremonies. What a very sad thing to think about.

However, these truths made me realize all the more the reality of the struggles those different churches faced even long before; the challenge to teach Biblical Christianity. Right now, as a Christian I should do my part in reaching out those who are blinded by those wrong beliefs and practices others are teaching. I see all the more how the Lord preserved His church. It is valuable to Him knowing that the church is His people gathering together to worship, honor, and serve Him. Amidst many struggles and even persecutions, it was never diminished. It remains and there are many Christians who strongly stand with their faith for God's own glory.

In my life, I need not to take these truths that I have learned lightly. It is real and it's happening. I should not be passive with what is going on around me. I have to observe and know what people are doing and how could I reach them out with the gospel. I realized that I need to be more friendly and welcoming to other people and I have to keep praying for those whom I know are still lost especially my own family, my friends and others who still need the Lord. I should be more committed and faithful in making disciples who would also do the same to others for God's glory.